AT&T Announces BlackBerry Torch 9810, Bold 9900, and Torch 9680

AT&T has just announced the next three BlackBerry devices set to hit their shelves: the Torch 4G 9810, Bold 4G 9900, and Torch 4G 9680 (an AT&T-branded, touchscreen-only followup to the device-formerly-known-as-Storm).AT&T's primary focus right now seems to be the 9810, as the only detail they mention of the Bold 9900 or Torch 9680 is […]

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AT&T has just announced the next three BlackBerry devices set to hit their shelves: the Torch 4G 9810, Bold 4G 9900, and Torch 4G 9680 (an AT&T-branded, touchscreen-only followup to the device-formerly-known-as-Storm).

AT&T's primary focus right now seems to be the 9810, as the only detail they mention of the Bold 9900 or Torch 9680 is that they're coming "later this year."

Here's the specs of Bold 9900:

Support for AT&T's HSPA+ (technically not 4G, but they call it that anyway) network

1.2 Ghz CPU

BlackBerry OS 7.0

Optical Trackpad

Classic candybar-style Bold design

2.8&Prime 640×480 display

8GB of internal storage

NFC

802.11b/g/n

5.0 megapixel rear camera

With the Torch 9810 (confused by all the numbers yet? Me too! Just think of the Torch 9810 as "Torch 2"), AT&T's got a bit more to say.

Here's what BalckBerry says about 9810:

Our intention with the BlackBerry Torch 9810 smartphone was to build upon the success of the original BlackBerry Torch all-in-one design by combining powerful new hardware with the powerful new BlackBerry 7 OS. The new BlackBerry Torch 9810 improves upon its predecessor, the BlackBerry Torch 9800, with a crisp new 3.2" inch touch screen with a VGA (600×480) resolution at 246 DPI ("dots per inch"), which is a great tip-off to the new hardware under the hood. The BlackBerry Torch 9810 smartphone also features a 1.2 GHz processer, a 5 MP camera with HD video recording, face detection and image stabilization, a digital compass and HSPA+ network support. Combined with the BlackBerry 7 OS, these new hardware features ensure that the BlackBerry 9810 smartphone is faster and more fluid than its predecessor.

Also added subtle refinements to the traditional BlackBerry Torch casing, as well as its keypad. To top it off, we coated the BlackBerry Torch 9810 smartphone in a distinctive silver color that we feel reflects the power and performance of the device.

Unlike its new siblings, the all-touch BlackBerry Torch 9850 and 9860 smartphones, the BlackBerry Torch 9810 smartphone features the original Torch's popular full QWERTY keypad, touch screen, trackpad combination. With a touch screen larger than its new cousins, the BlackBerry Bold 9900 and BlackBerry 9930 smartphones, the BlackBerry Torch 9810 is a flexible device for people who require both form and function from their smartphone.

Here's the specs:

Runs BlackBerry OS 7.0

HSPA+ Support

Slide out QWERTY keyboard

1.2Ghz CPU

802.11b/g/n

5 megapixel rear camera

8 gigabytes of internal storage

Should be available in August

Things get a bit fuzzier with the Storm-y Torch 9680. For now, here's what we have got to go off of are some rumored specs (BB OS 7.0, 1.2 Ghz CPU, and a 3.7&Prime 800×480 display. These specs are now confirmed) and a few leaked pics, the best of which made its way out last week:

With a 3.7" inch touch screen at a WVGA (800×480) resolution with 253 DPI ("dots per inch"), the BlackBerry Torch 9850 and 9860 have the biggest BlackBerry smartphone screens ever. These all-touch screens provide a sharp and crisp viewing experience to combine everything BlackBerry devices are known for - performance, security and reliability - with new user features like augmented reality apps and improved web browsing and multimedia experiences.

In addition to the large and crisp screen, the all-touch BlackBerry Torch 9850 and 9860 smartphones have many hardware features new to BlackBerry smartphones, including an HD camera and magnetometer (also known as a "digital compass"). These features aren't just for show, but allow BlackBerry smartphone users to create, consume and share great content on their device. Here are a few examples:

Camera - The BlackBerry Torch 9850 and 9860 smartphone cameras supports HD recording at 720p to capture stunning videos to view on your BlackBerry smartphone, computer or HDTV. But my favorite feature has to be the 5MP, zero-shutter lag photo camera. I have a five-month-old son and my BlackBerry Torch smartphone (which is always with me) has been the perfect tool for me to capture those special moments. The ability to upload these photos from within the Camera app with a few clicks to Facebook so I can virtually instantly share these moments with friends and family turns the BlackBerry Torch into something more than a smartphone for me.

Magnetometer - Combined with the Camera app and GPS, the magnetometer or digital compass on the BlackBerry Torch 9850 and 9860 smartphones has enabled a new class of "augmented reality" applications on the BlackBerry platform. One example is the Wikitude augmented reality browser, which will be available on the BlackBerry App World storefront at launch. The Wikitude browser combines real and virtual worlds via the Camera viewfinder to provide immediate and relevant data about one's surroundings. One great feature of the Wikitude browser is its integration with BBM 6. This (opt-in) feature allows you to see the location of your BBM 6 contacts in real-time and spontaneously arrange to meet for coffee if you happen to be in the same 'hood. See the video above for an example.

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Deepak Gupta is a IT & Web Consultant. He is the founder and CEO of diTii.com & DIT Technologies, where he's engaged in providing Technology Consultancy, Design and Development of Desktop, Web and Mobile applications using various tools and softwares. Sign-up for the Email for daily updates. Google+ Profile.